Ankle pain

The ankle, or talocrural joint, includes 3 bones (tibia, fibula and talus), which are connected by tendons, forming a block-like joint. Any injury to the ankle determines the pathological displacement of the talus, which is enclosed in the joint fork. This displacement has a direct or indirect effect on the lower part of the tibia or ankle, which is what actually causes the damage.

Often the cause of ankle pain is either arthritis or subluxation of the joint with further development of arthrosis. It is quite easy to distinguish the first from the second: arthritic inflammation of the ankle usually appears in parallel with inflammation of other joints. In this case, inflammation and swelling of the ankle joint occurs, as they say, without a reason - without any previous injury. Pain in the ankle with arthritis is more pronounced at night (approximately at 3:00-4:00), and in the daytime while walking, pain is felt, but with less intensity.

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Causes and diagnosis of ankle pain

Ankle and foot injuries. Victims with such injuries represent the largest contingent of trauma patients. How the injury occurs: a sharp twisting of the foot inward or outward, a fall from a great height onto the heels, a fall of heavy objects onto the foot (fracture of the feet, toes, phalanges, metatarsal bones, etc.).

Deforming arthrosis of the ankle. This is a serious disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. It can reduce a person's ability to work and even lead to disability. In many cases, deforming arthrosis is a consequence of a complex injury to one or more of its anatomical components (external and internal ankles, tibia, talus). The clinical picture of this disease is varied: pain in the ankle and shin, swelling of the joint, limited mobility in the joint, gait defect.

Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). The most common disease among people who have reached middle age. With age, the sliding, smooth connective tissue of the bones (cartilage) suffers wear and tear. As a result, the joint begins to inflammatory process, swelling and pain in the ankle. This syndrome progresses gradually, increasing stiffness and pain in the ankle occurs over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet known. Although this disease is not hereditary, researchers believe that some people are more susceptible to this disease, having a genetic predisposition. As a rule, the "trigger" that activates these genes is an infectious factor.

Post-traumatic arthritis. The main causes of this type of arthritis are rupture of the soft connective tissue of the joint and displacement. A joint that has been damaged is 7 times more susceptible to arthritis, even if the treatment was carried out properly. After a certain time after the injury, the body produces hormones that stimulate the degeneration process in the cartilage cells.

Swollen ankle. There are many reasons why your ankle may swell, from sprains and joint problems to edema. A swollen ankle will usually cause pain and discomfort. The first step is to find the cause of the swelling so you can have an idea of what treatment to take.

You can take simple steps at home to relieve ankle pain and reduce swelling.

1. Swelling can be reduced by elevating your legs above heart level. Use a chaise lounge or footstool for this. At night, you can place a pillow under your feet. This will improve blood circulation and eliminate swelling.
2. Wear comfortable shoes that help relieve pain and swelling until they go away. There are special shoes for people with foot and ankle problems. They are usually ankle-friendly, well-ventilated, and soft.
3. Do ankle exercises. This improves blood circulation and muscle activity. These exercises consist of gentle rotation of the feet, bending, tapping and massaging. Place your foot on the bed and hold the foot with your hand near the toes. Gently rotate the foot clockwise. If this causes discomfort, bend and straighten the leg several times.
4. Use elastic bandages. They are needed to support the ankle and slightly compress the area, reducing swelling. These bandages will further relieve pain in the ankle and foot during walking.
5. Get an X-ray. If the above methods are ineffective, you probably have a more serious condition that needs to be treated by a traumatologist or rheumatologist.

Symptoms of Ankle Injuries

Ankle sprain. Rapid swelling due to hemorrhage (on the outside or inside of the joint, sharp pain in the ankle during supination (turning the foot inward). Palpation under the ankles causes sharp pain. If a fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone occurs in parallel with the sprain, then sharp pain occurs during palpation of the base of this bone.

Fracture of the outer malleolus. The clinical picture is the same as with a sprained ankle, but during palpation, painful sensations are determined both below the ankle and directly in the ankle.

Ankle fracture and foot subluxation. The joint greatly increases in size, and attempts to move cause severe pain. The foot shifts to the outer, inner, or back side, depending on the type of subluxation. The victim may feel crepitation of the fragments. When palpating the inner and outer malleolus, pain occurs in the ankle, and a defect is often found between the bone fragments.

Fracture of the calcaneus. There is a strong thickening of the heel and its eversion to the outside. If there is a fracture with displacement, the arch of the foot is flattened. The victim cannot stand on his foot due to very severe pain in the ankle. Due to the pain in the heel, movements in the ankle are limited, but still possible.

A fracture of the metatarsal diaphysis causes a large hematoma to form on the dorsum of the foot ("cushion foot"), as well as flattening of the longitudinal arch of the foot. This causes sharp pain in the ankle during palpation and loading of the forefoot.

Dislocation and subluxation of the ankle can be combined with a fracture of the ankle. Dislocation can occur at the point where the talus and calcaneus bones join (the so-called subtalar dislocation). In this case, there is significant deformation and thickening of the heel and ankle area. The heel is turned inward. Dislocation of the tarsal and metatarsal bones occurs when the foot is compressed and causes its deformation, which involves the dislocated bones protruding to the dorsum or to different sides. A large hematoma of the dorsum of the foot is observed.